Hi Blue, My cabinet maker has his own painter sub. She did 6 coats; I know that included glaze and finish but I'm not sure how many of each makes up the 6. I think it's a good idea to work with a painter who specializes in cabinets. It's a little bit science and a little bit art. I really liked that she was here on the last day of the install with her little jar or spackle and her small brush for touch up. She and the cabinet maker were a good team, and she took pride in making sure that everything looked perfect.

Our painter (last house) sprayed many coats of low sheen lacquer (strong smelling stuff, we had to stay in a hotel a couple nights the fumes were so awful), and sanded between each coat, then glazed to give the patina look. He was a true artist and It turned out beautifully. It was rich and silky and creamy.

New house, new city, new project, we're going to have the cabinets here painted... fortunately I asked for a sample first. It was awful. Nothing at all like the previous painter's work, yet using the same technique. So we are back to figuring out what to do, probably new cabinets.

Sorry I don't know what the lacquer was called that they used, but given the fact of two such different results, my best advice is to get a sample of both before going forward. Also, realize that you might have to leave your house when the fumes are at their worst. It tends to permeate the entire structure, staying in the garage was not an option.

blue

If you have the option - I'm wondering does the cabinet maker have a "finish shop" - a controlled environment where painting staining takes place. This would be optimal - as there is minimal dust, more controlled - they can spray vs a job site where construction is going on